A woman is dead after a shooting in Etobicoke on Friday morning, said Toronto police.
Officers responded to reports of a shooting around 7:23 a.m. near Humberwood Boulevard and Rexdale Boulevard, Toronto police Duty Insp. Scott Bradbury said at a news conference at the scene.
He said police found a woman with a gunshot wound, but she was later pronounced dead at the scene despite emergency responders attempting life-saving measures.
He said the shooting took place “outside in the public” and not at a home in the neighbourhood.
The victim is an adult female, but Bradbury said no other details would be provided about her as next of kin have not yet been notified.
He said a male suspect was seen fleeing the scene and that police are still trying to locate the individual. Police deployed several resources, including drones and the K9 unit, to search for the suspect and ensure the neighbourhood is safe, Bradbury said.
Investigators believe the incident was targeted and that there is no threat to public safety, said Const. Shannon Eames in an emailed statement. She said Toronto police’s emergency task force also attended the scene Friday morning.
Bradbury said he can’t provide exact details on how investigators determined the incident was targeted. He said the homicide team is now investigating the case.
Humberwood Boulevard between Morning Star Drive and Rexdale Boulevard is closed for vehicle and pedestrian traffic for the time being, said Toronto police on social media platform X.
Residents can expect an increased police presence in the area, as investigators search for witnesses, evidence and any video recordings.
Bradbury urged anyone with information to reach out to police or to Crime Stoppers.
Resident Dalbir Aulakh said the neighbourhood is very peaceful and that it’s shocking to see the area closed off suddenly for a police investigation.
“It’s really scary,” he said. “I’ve never had this kind of problem here.”